“I’m here as a neighbor. A father. Just someone who couldn’t watch from the sidelines anymore.” That’s what Willie Nelson is said to have told shelter workers — no flashing lights, no reporters trailing behind, simply a man who felt compelled to help. In the last 72 hours, he had personally funded supplies and coordinated donations through local connections. There was no publicity stunt. No media circus. In fact, no one might have known about his efforts at all if a single volunteer hadn’t posted a photo online.
Over 120 dead and 170 missing after historic Texas flooding — Entire towns wiped out as the nation watches in horror
Texas, USA — The state is reeling after one of its most destructive natural disasters ever, with officials reporting at least 120 dead and more than 170 people unaccounted for following relentless flooding in recent days.
A rare, stalled storm system over the southern U.S. unleashed intense rainfall, leading to rapid flash floods, overflowing rivers, and breached dams across numerous counties. The destruction is staggering: neighborhoods swallowed whole, bridges and roads destroyed, and families separated with barely a moment to react.
“It was like a freight train coming through our streets,” recalled one Hays County resident. “We barely had time to grab anything before the water took over.”
Emergency crews — including FEMA, the National Guard, and local rescue teams — are racing against time, scouring treacherous waters and debris to find survivors. Yet, many officials fear it may already be too late for people trapped in remote areas.
Small towns like Llano, Bastrop, and New Braunfels have suffered catastrophic damage. Countless residents have sought refuge in shelters, some having lost their homes, cars, beloved pets, and family members.
Governor Greg Abbott has declared a state of emergency across more than 40 counties, calling the flooding “an event that happens once in a century.”
“This is one of Texas’ darkest moments in recent history,” Abbott said in a press briefing. “We grieve with every family, and our mission right now is to save as many lives as possible.”